In an examination of the process of tuning the marimba, it is relevant to contrast its predominant overtone with that of the xylophone. In the case of the xylophone, the overtone which is most readily perceived and has the most effect on the listener's perception of pitch and timbre is located an octave and a fifth above the fundamental (see Figure 4). This corresponds to the third mode of vibration (second overtone) of the bar.

Figure 4: Fundamental/Predominant Overtone of a xylophone
(Moore p. 1)

The marimba, however, has its most significant overtone two octaves above the fundamental, at the fourth mode of vibration (see Figure 5). Therefore, when tuning the marimba, it is particularly important to ensure that this overtone sounds at the appropriate frequency, or the marimba's characteristic timbre may be lost.

Figure 5: Fundamental/Predominant Overtone of a marimba
(Moore p. 1)

- 6 -